Obama and McCain in final sprint

There is just one day to go to chase the crucial votes that will decide their fate. The US presidential candidates are carrying out a frenzied blitz of the battleground states.

Latest opinion polls suggest that Democrat Barack Obama will easily clinch 196 of the 270 electoral votes he needs to win, with indications he is currently on 291. The polls show that five states, representing 84 electoral votes, could go either way.

Across the country, people are being urged to vote. On the outskirts of Washington, a pastor at the Macedonia Baptist Church told his congregation: “We’re going to be responsible, people. Amen. We didn’t tell you who to vote for. We just asked that you vote.

The church also reminded people about their legal rights, particularly African-Americans. One speaker said: “If for whatever reason you go to vote on November 4, and your name is not on the roster at your polling place, please ask for a provisional ballot. You still need to vote, ok? Do not leave the polls without voting.”

The church will be mindful of accusations during the last election that many were unfairly prevented from voting, particularly among the African-American community.

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